Pondy CM leads stir in Delhi for full statehood

Addressing a press conference, Narayanasamy said leaders of 21 political parties also participated in the agitation held at the Janatar Mantar and they were joined by a large number of residents from the union territory of Puducherry.

He said the Territorial Assembly has passed 16 resolutions so far, the latest in September 2018, demanding full statehood for the UT, but the Centre did not agree to it.

Accusing Bedi of violating the oath of secrecy, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take note of this and remove her from the post of L-G. He also criticised her for not functioning in the interest and development of Puducherry. Bedi was not available for comments.

Narayanasamy said he has also submitted a memorandum to the central government demanding full statehood for Puducherry and also removal of Bedi as Lt Governor.

The memorandum, submitted to the government, said that at present the status of Puducherry is found to be “unsatisfactory” to all sections of the people.

“The Union Territories Act also remains ambiguous. The Act is not applied in its true spirit and the Rules of Business have diluted its autonomy content. This has further been aggravated by the prevailing administrative practices and also on account of financial dependence,” the memorandum said.

Congress leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI-M’s Sitaram Yechury and CPI’s D Raja, DMK’s Kanomozhi and others were present during the agitation.